Cost of Living in Paducah, KY
Population 26,894 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Paducah cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $165,000, rents near $817 a month. Around 22% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Geographically, Paducah lies roughly 80 miles west of the nearest major metro, Clarksville. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Clarksville's $236,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Paducah
The median home value in Paducah is $164,600 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $817/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,243/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Kentucky's top state income tax rate is 4.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 69.3°F and lows of 48.2°F, with about 8.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Paducah has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 45 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 79 | 87 | 90 | 90 | 83 | 72 | 59 | 48 |
| Low °F | 27 | 31 | 38 | 48 | 58 | 66 | 69 | 67 | 59 | 48 | 38 | 31 |
| Precip" | 3.85 | 3.94 | 4.64 | 5.17 | 4.87 | 4.51 | 4.30 | 3.11 | 3.55 | 3.99 | 4.09 | 4.30 |
| Snow" | 2.7 | 3.0 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 1.8 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Paducah, KY?
Paducah has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.
What is average rent in Paducah, KY?
The median gross rent in Paducah is $817 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Paducah?
The median home value in Paducah is $164,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Paducah?
The median household income in Paducah is $51,243 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Paducah, KY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Paducah is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.
Is Paducah, KY affordable?
Yes, Paducah is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Paducah?
Paducah has average high temperatures of 69.3°F and average lows of 48.2°F. Annual precipitation is 50.3". Average annual snowfall is 8.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Paducah at a Glance
- Population
- 26,894
- Median Income
- $51,243
- Home Value
- $164,600
- Median Rent
- $817/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kentucky Rankings
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